THE Penang government is committed to empowering the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said as evidence, a total of RM40,800 has been allocated by the state government this year to improve various projects related to agro-based industries as well as to empower the local community’s socio-economic progress.
“These allocations are channelled through the ‘Farmers To Farmers’ programme for agro-based industries under the Penang Agriculture Department.
“The allocations or incentives are given in the form of machinery and equipment to the local SME entrepreneurs as well as related classes and training to ensure an increase in production capacity and thus increasing the income of SME entrepreneurs in the future.
“It is hoped that such incentives also are capable to spur the local economy as well as to create job opportunities and produce more entrepreneurs in the agro-based industries,” Chow told Buletin Mutiara after visiting crackers (kerepek) shop, Chinta Kerepek House in Jalan Permatang Berangan B, Pokok Tampang today.
The visit was part of Chow’s ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ programme in Tasek Gelugor today.
Also present were Teluk Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Mustafa Kamal Ahmad, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who is also Chow’s political secretary, Chief Minister’s special coordinating officer Lay Hock Peng, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Ooi Yong Wooi, Penang Agriculture Department director Mohd Muhaimin Ibrahim and Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee.
It is understood that Chinta Kerepek House is under the ‘Farmers To Farmers’ programme involving five participants.
They are Hanisah Md Yatim, Nur Elyana Natasha Mohd Nazari, Nor Salwani Arshad, Siti Nurul Aisyah G. Shamsudin and Nur Hayati binti Zainol.
Earlier, Chow and his entourage also visited Jeti Nelayan Labuh Banting in Tasek Gelugor to take a closer look at the cooking demonstration of fermented fish (ikan pekasam) and tapai, a traditional fermented rice cake delicately sweetened with honey or sugar, served folded in sago palm leaves made by local residents there.
The 30-minute visit also saw Chow trying a traditional game known as ‘cakplong’.
‘Cakplong’ is made from Chinese bamboo and is usually used to shoot at target by using cenerai fruit as a bullet.
To conclude his ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ programme in Tasek Gelugor today, Chow and his entourage visited Warung Pak Ndak Man at Kampung Pokok Tampang to enjoy a sumptuous lunch.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis and Darwina Mohd Daud